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Hmmm - Will snow mode save gas?

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Old 08-31-05, 08:04 PM
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DaveGS4
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Default Hmmm - Will snow mode save gas?

Disclaimer - Snow mode can probably be dangerous if you're pulling out into traffic from a stop.

BUT on normal driving given no oncoming cars you need to merge with... do you think snow mode will save some significant gas? Jackrabbit starts take a LOT of fuel, with snow mode you're pretty much prohibited from doing those.

Any thoughts? Anybody ever clock the mileage on their car with a full tank in snow mode?
Old 08-31-05, 08:06 PM
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GQD_GS4
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i've thought about this...but actually trying to KEEP the button on SNW mode is soooo difficult!!!
Old 08-31-05, 08:45 PM
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e-man
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I've thought about this, but isn't it possible that snow mode will actually eat more gas? I mean, think about it this way. For those of us that had 10 speed bikes when we were growing up (which is probably most of us), did you ever try to start off in 5th or 6th? It took so much energy to get the bike going, as opposed to starting in 1st or 2nd and working your way through the gears. When I put my car in snow mode, it feels as if the engine has to work very hard to get the car going, even though the RPMs don't get very high. I have no real basis for thinking this, and I could be completely wrong. Does anyone else know for sure?

e
Old 08-31-05, 09:15 PM
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tuddy
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Originally Posted by GQD_GS4
i've thought about this...but actually trying to KEEP the button on SNW mode is soooo difficult!!!
i dunno maybe your joking or not lol but you just need to push and it goes on..doesnt need to stay down.
Old 08-31-05, 09:20 PM
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e-man
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Originally Posted by tuddy
i dunno maybe your joking or not lol but you just need to push and it goes on..doesnt need to stay down.
I think what he means is that it's hard to keep the car in snow mode because he likes accelerating quickly.
Old 08-31-05, 09:21 PM
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tuddy
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yea..i kinda figured that..oh well lol
Old 08-31-05, 10:10 PM
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Yea gas just hit us here at $3.31 for 87 grade for the 93 octane $3.51 a gallon
Old 08-31-05, 10:16 PM
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correct me if im wrong..
snow mode is the opposite of power mode....which will change gears at a lower RPM which then will reflect in gas saved?
just assuming...dont flame me..
Old 08-31-05, 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by sputniknyc
correct me if im wrong..
snow mode is the opposite of power mode....which will change gears at a lower RPM which then will reflect in gas saved?
just assuming...dont flame me..
I think it does a second gear start and/or lower RPM shifts.
Old 09-01-05, 09:40 AM
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Hey guys, just got this confirmed from a tech at the dealership. Conserving gas is very high on my priority list too.

Here it is. The tech said that it may conserve gas a little bit, but it really just affects the shift points in the trans. It adjust them to shift much sooner; therefore, not allowing the car to spin the tires while in "Snow Mode". I think with these prices ($3.49 and up to $6.00 for premium at a couple of places as of last night in Atlanta) it may be worth a try. gas prices suck...
Old 09-01-05, 10:09 AM
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isn't it easier not launching off the line to conserve gas. with gas prices at where their at, i'm not in a hurry to get anywhere fast. it's all about getting the feel of your gas pedal.

if i'm driving slow, people most likely will go around me.
Old 09-01-05, 11:15 AM
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mikal
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Maybe i should try it to keep the RPM down so i can conserve some gas.

I calculated 15-17mpg after my Supercharger install
(maybe because of all those "test" drive i took )
Old 09-01-05, 11:56 AM
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Richie
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I'm in the normal mode and just feathering the gas everywhere. Before bends I also get off the gas earlier.
There is a smal improvement.
Old 09-01-05, 12:43 PM
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cruise control saves a lot of gas
Old 09-01-05, 12:49 PM
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jonathancl
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Originally Posted by joshoowa
cruise control saves a lot of gas
Absolutely. Highway driving with just me gets 22. Cruise gets 25+.


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